Feng Zhiming quickly condensed two orbs of Qi in his hands, their ethereal glow casting a soft light over the group.

“Yari, pair up with Raja. Your task is to control this Qi orb,” he instructed, tossing one of the orbs into the space between them. The energy pulsed gently, waiting for their command.

He turned to Leila, holding the second orb before her. “Leila, your challenge is to alter the structure of this Qi orb. I’ll apply some resistance to make it more difficult.”

As the Qi orb floated between Feng Zhiming and Leila, he observed their reactions carefully. This exercise was meticulously designed to target the weaknesses in each of their Qi techniques. Qi control for Yari and Qi manipulation for Leila. Though they might seem similar, mastering these skills required very different approaches.

As the session progressed, Feng Zhiming’s attention drifted to Raja. Despite his recent and rapid advancement through the stages of Foundation Establishment, Raja’s grasp on the basics was shaky at best. The Qi orb between him and Yari wavered, ultimately moving towards Yari, indicating her superior control, though she herself still had room to grow. Compared to Raja, however, she appeared almost masterful.

"Senior sister, have some mercy," Raja joked, his hand trembling as he struggled to guide the Qi orb back towards him.

Yari smiled slightly but kept her tone light as she replied, “Junior brother, in the examination, your opponent will not show mercy. You should practice with that in mind.”

Feng Zhiming watched with a critical eye, noting each of their strengths and shortcomings.

As Feng Zhiming observed the two, his attention was momentarily diverted by Leila, who spoke up with a hint of frustration.

“Instructor, you’re too cruel. I can’t even get the orb of Qi to shake,” she complained, her tone suggesting she felt wronged by the challenge.

“Keep trying,” Feng Zhiming replied curtly, his interest clearly elsewhere.

When his gaze returned to Yari and Raja, he was caught off guard. Amidst the subtle struggle of Qi control, Raja had somehow stumbled, ending up sprawled over Yari. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink as she hastily pushed him off, sending him tumbling backward.

“Apologies, senior sister. Your strength is too powerful; I couldn’t resist,” Raja muttered sheepishly as he scrambled to his feet.

“Rascal, if you touch me again, I’ll complain to the instructor,” she retorted, wagging her finger at him.

Feng Zhiming watched the scene unfold, his thoughts tinged with mild amusement. “This kid… He’s a little too good at playing,” he mused, noting how Yari’s irritation was slowly giving way to a more favorable view of Raja. It was far from seduction, but there was a noticeable shift in how she perceived him.

As the exercise continued over the next few hours, similar incidents occurred once or twice more. Yet, one thing became clear, among the three students he was training, the one showing the most improvement was Raja.

“He’s still far from Yari’s level, but I can’t ignore how quickly he’s learning,” Feng Zhiming reflected, beginning to entertain the possibility that this seemingly clumsy disciple might just be the key to accessing the armory.

As Feng Zhiming was lost in thought, another voice cut through the stillness of the evening.

“Ryes, what are you doing out here at this hour?” The voice belonged to Instructor Wuya, a man who bore a few grudges for the original owner of Feng Zhiming’s body.

“Just providing some guidance,” Feng Zhiming replied nonchalantly, reclining in his chair as though he hadn’t a care in the world.

Wuya’s gaze swept over the three students, their efforts clear in the flickering light of their Qi exercises. His expression hardened as he quickly assessed the situation.

“Hmph! I hope you’re not foolish enough to think you can compete with me for the armory,” Wuya sneered. “I have three star pupils lined up for that position already.”

Feng Zhiming smirked, unbothered by the older man’s bravado. “We’ll see about that. You see that kid over there in Foundation Establishment?” He pointed to Raja, who was still struggling to control his Qi orb. “He alone can crush your three students.”

Wuya snorted dismissively, his disdain evident. “Dream on. Waste students, perfect for a waste of a master.”

With that, he swung his sleeve in a dismissive gesture and strode off, but not before casting a lingering glance at Raja. There was a glint in his eye, subtle yet sharp, that hinted at the brewing hostility within him.

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Feng Zhiming noticed the look and knew well enough that Wuya wouldn’t let this challenge go unanswered. The seed of hostility had been planted, and it would only be a matter of time before it bore fruit.

He sighed as the ringed moon reached its zenith in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the training ground. The night had grown late, and it was time to end the session.

“Go home, consolidate your gains, and return tomorrow,” he instructed.

The three disciples cupped their hands in respect, bowing deeply before departing. Leila walked alone, her figure disappearing into the shadows, while Yari and Raja lingered together, their quiet conversation fading as they walked away.

Once Feng Zhiming was certain he was alone, he moved to the training ground and bent down to inspect a faint trace of dried blood. He rubbed it between his fingers, confirming it was from Raja’s slight nosebleed, an intentional result of pushing the young man beyond his limits.

“Old fool, what do you think?” Feng Zhiming murmured into the stillness.

A deep, resonant voice responded within his mind. {Hmm...}

“Well, is he?” Feng Zhiming pressed, his gaze fixed on the bloodstain.

{No, he is not yet a Caelum Juravi.}

Feng Zhiming clicked his tongue in disappointment, his expectations unmet.

{But there’s a chance he could become one. I sense Heaven’s will in his blood.} The voice continued, its tone contemplative.

“Become one? I thought all the Caelum Juravi were already chosen,” Feng Zhiming mused, puzzled by the implication.

The voice paused for a moment, as if considering its words carefully before replying. {Heaven’s will is mysterious and operates without restrictions. It may still be choosing.}

Feng Zhiming looked up at the moon, its pale light reflecting in his eyes as he pondered this new possibility. “So, what you’re saying is if he earns the qualifications, he will be chosen?”

{It’s a possibility.} The voice agreed, its tone neither confirming nor denying but leaving the door open to future developments.

A low chuckle escaped Feng Zhiming’s lips as he straightened up. Without another word, he took to the sky, flying back to his abode with a sense of purpose.

As soon as he arrived, he set about crafting a few messages, his mind already plotting the next steps. There was much to be done, and if Raja truly held the potential to become a Caelum Juravi, then the stakes had just been raised.

The first message Feng Zhiming formed was addressed to Anissa, written with precision and urgency.

“I hope all is well. I need you to continue with your current tasks but also address a few additional matters. There is a disciple here named Raja. Investigate whether he has any family or clan connections. If he does, kidnap them and bring them to the City of Spirit Stones. Once that is done, spread rumours that the family has been eradicated by... Dao Lord Fury. Update me when this is accomplished. Also, compile a list of smaller clans with patriarchs who have failed to break through to the Heavenly Eye realm or the Dao Lord realm. Lastly keep an eye out for a delivery for Hera, she will receive something I need sent to me.”

With a slight wave of his hand, a crow materialized out of thin air, its feathers blending seamlessly with the night. The bird, invisible to others, took flight, carrying the message to Anissa.

The second message was more succinct, intended for the Second Elder.

“The Celestial Haven Sect is still deliberating on the prospect of war. It could commence in a few months or take as long as a few years. I recommend a team to spy on the other major sects.”

Another crow was summoned, and with a quiet flutter, it was sent on its way.

The final message was directed to the Elysium Guild’s Madam Hua.

“Madam Hua, I trust your injuries are healing. Now is the time for your compensation. Any techniques or methods that can be used to treat failed comprehension, shattered cores, and broken spirits, are to be sent to the city of Spirit stones, leave it with someone known as Hera. If you try to evade this or scheme against me, just think about the entirety of your Guild and how many casualties you'd face in conflict with the Maiden's religion.”

With the last crow dispatched, Feng Zhiming allowed himself to relax, sinking into the soft bedding of his chambers. His thoughts lingered on Raja, considering the potential that lay within the young disciple.

“Raja, let me polish you into a fat chicken,” he mused inwardly, as he tried to fall asleep.

{You’re a thorough one, aren’t you?} The familiar, slightly taunting voice echoed in his mind, breaking the silence.

“Let me sleep, you old fool,” Feng Zhiming retorted, the annoyance evident in his tone as he pulled the covers over himself, trying to find solace in the quiet of the night.

{Now is the perfect time to discuss philosophies, haha!} The voice chimed in, its tone a blend of excited and earnestness.

Feng Zhiming felt a surge of irritation rise within him, the last remnants of patience slipping away. “Don’t make me complain to your lord,” he replied, his voice laced with exasperation.

The voice fell silent, the high energy replaced by a sudden stillness. {...}

Feng Zhiming sighed, relishing the brief moment of quiet. With a final deep breath, he closed his eyes, allowing the comforting darkness of sleep to finally overtake him.

Knock! Knock!

Feng Zhiming bolted upright, his instincts sharpened by years of discipline. He had been trying to sleep, but the abrupt noise shattered his concentration like a stone through glass.

He moved silently to the entrance of his secluded abode, every muscle tensed for the unknown. As he opened the door, the dim moonlight revealed Leila standing before him, her figure cloaked in the shadows of the night.

"Instructor," she whispered, her voice carrying a mix of resolve and something more elusive, "I’ve come to provide payment."

Her eyes locked onto his, a seductive glimmer in their depths.

Now he was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Either he could send her away sacrificing his much-desired rest to or the alternative which was even more unthinkable, shattering the image of Ryes, the perverse persona he had adopted, a necessary mask.

"The things I do for…" Feng Zhiming sighed inwardly as he reluctantly stepped aside, allowing Leila to enter. His face remained impassive, but his mind was anything but.

{No sleep, this is karma for threatening me!} the voice in his head mocked.

"I'll kill you old fool!" Feng Zhiming yelled internally.

{Perhaps in a few million years!} he replied, {Now get to work.}